An American military spokesman said the raids on Baghdad destroyed a communications centre and command and control facilities.

The capital could be encircled by coalition forces in five to ten days.

On the ground, British forces continue to engage Iraqi resistance around Basra, and American armoured columns have been consolidating their positions near Karbala, Najaf, Nasiriyah, and on the road to Al Kut.

Tony Blair met the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan last night. They discussed humanitarian aid for Iraq.

The UN is expected to vote today on a deal to speed up the delivery of food and medicine.

Rageh's movements are restricted and his reports are monitored by the Iraqi officials.

He said that there had been massive explosions throughout the night with heavy munitions.

"Civilians are out on the streets"

A transmitter seems to have been a target for coalition bombs which was the first direct hit on a civilian infrastructure:

Iraqi television is still on the air: "despite the continuing attacks on transmitters relay stations tv and radio headquarters they are finding alternative routes and means to keep Iraqi state television on air."

Rageh also said that civilians are out on the streets and shops are open despite the onslaught.